Sunday, January 20, 2008

Smile Makeovers Sweeping the Country

Whitening, veneers, bonding, implants – cosmetic dentists have more options than ever to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. And thanks to the blitz of reality television makeover programs, consumer awareness of cosmetic dentistry has reached an all-time high.

But it’s not just television that has prompted more people than ever to consider cosmetic dentistry. According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists (AACD), virtually all Americans (99.7 percent) believe a smile is an important asset, and three-quarters (74 percent) of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success. A whopping 96 percent of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex.

With so many choices available to consumers to improve their smiles, it is important for patients to ask their dentist about his or her experience in performing cosmetic dental procedures. “Any patient considering a smile makeover should make sure their dentist has had advanced training in cosmetic dentistry,” says Nicholas Davis, AACD president.

As you consider a cosmetic dental procedure, be sure to ask for these items:

* Before and after photos – Examine the dentist’s treatment results on other patients to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs.

* References – Get a sense from other patients as to what type of quality care the dentist provides.

* Continuing education – Be certain that your dentist is an active AACD member and has taken continuing education courses to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.

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